San Miguel’s International Storytelling Festival Returns

Carrie Haugh

By CheriRae Wright

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: a man and a woman walk into a theater, sit down, and are wowed and awed by wonderful, imaginative, mostly true stories told by neighbors, friends, and strangers. It gives me great pleasure to announce the dates and locations for San Miguel’s 2nd International Storytelling Festival.

But first, on behalf of the festival committee, I want to thank all of last year’s storytellers, patrons, and volunteers who helped to make our first festival a spectacular success. Now I’d like to talk about this year’s festival. Our rules are simple. Your story must be true or inspired by a true event. It should be based on something that either happened to you or to someone you know. And it must take no longer than seven minutes to tell. Adult content in good taste is preferred, and you may use props, as needed. Cash prizes will be awarded.

The venue for all events will be in Bellas Artes: Auditorio Miguel Malo (AMM) and Sala Literaria Bellas Artes (SLBA).

Free auditions

Are you ready to tell your story to San Miguel audiences? You may need to audition first. The good news is, this year our auditions are free. Auditions will take place on Tuesday, September 8, and Wednesday, September 9, in Sala Literaria Bellas Artes. If you are not available to audition in person on those dates, you may still try out by emailing a video clip of yourself telling the story you’d like to enter, to cherirae@mac.com before Thursday, September 10.

The first 10 storytellers from last year’s competition to commit to performing again this year will not have to audition, as long as they notify us by August 15. However, all returning storytellers must tell a different story from the one they told last year. Audition time slots are limited, so don’t wait too long to reserve your place at the audition. Email cherirae@mac.com to register.

I’d like to close with words from festival committee member Stephanie Medlock, of Indigan Storytellers, near Chicago: “I believe the best stories take us on an unforgettable journey during which we experience a range of emotions. Ultimately, such stories are how we connect with others as well as with ourselves.” Narrators and raconteurs … start your stories.